[Atlanta State of Emergency\COVID-19 Pandemic]
Mayor Lance Bottoms: “This is a serious and evolving health threat that warrants action. As guidelines and recommendations are adjusted daily by our federal and state partners, we will assess and adjust our policies accordingly.”
Photo: Twitter
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has issued an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
All public assemblages, events and gatherings of 250 or more persons will be prohibited within the City and territorial limits of the City of Atlanta until March 31, 2020.
“This is a serious and evolving health threat that warrants action,” said Mayor Bottoms. “As guidelines and recommendations are adjusted daily by our federal and state partners, we will assess and adjust our policies accordingly.”
The Executive Order is just the latest of many efforts and policies instituted by the Bottoms Administration to combat the COVID-19 health threat.
Mayor Bottoms issued an Administrative Order directing the Commissioner of Watershed Management to refrain from taking any action which would result in the termination of water services for any Watershed Management customer due to non-payment for the next sixty (60) days.
The Mayor also issued a directive for the Centers of Hope Afterschool program to continue to provide free meals to all students who rely on them throughout the closure of schools. A list of schools and more information can be found here https://www.atlantaga.gov/Home/Components/News/News/13290/672.
For more information on the Centers of Hope Afterschool Program and Registration, please visit the Official Websitehttps://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation/office-of-recreation/afterschool-program.
The City has also posted prevention information and additional resources related to COVID-19 on its website here https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/mayor-s-office/city-of-atlanta-covid-19-response.
Chief among the City’s guidance to residents and visitors are the following preventative measures:
(1) Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
(2) If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
(3) Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
(4) Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
(5) Stay home when you are sick.
(6) Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
(7) Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. If you have recently returned from a country with ongoing COVID-19 infections monitor your health and follow the instructions of public health officials
Recommended CDC safety guidelines can be found online here https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
